Having plants in your home can bring a lot of joy and life into your space. But not all plants are created equal. There is certain vegetation that can be toxic and harmful to both you and your pets, so it’s essential to know which ones should never come inside your home. Here is a list of some of the most dangerous indoor plants you should avoid at all costs. By keeping these out of your home, you can ensure that your home is safe and healthy for everyone.
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What To Look For In A Houseplant
When selecting a houseplant for your home, it’s important to understand its environmental needs. Start by considering the level of light in the area where you want to place the plant. Different plants require different levels of sunlight – some prefer indirect or filtered light, while others require full sun or shade. Then think about the temperature and humidity levels in the space; ensure that they match the preferences of the plant species.
Additionally, examine the watering needs of each type of plant; a helpful trick is to stick your finger into the soil and if it feels moist below 1 inch, then wait on watering as overwatering can be just as detrimental as underwatering a houseplant. And finally, research the growth habits of each type of plant you’re considering; some plants like to stay put, while others may require frequent pruning or repotting in order to thrive.
Plants You Shouldn’t Bring Into Your Home
Along with meeting the needs of the plants you’re considering, it is also essential to make sure that none of them are toxic or poisonous. The following list contains some of the most dangerous indoor plants that should not be brought into your home:
Elephant’s Ear
Keeping elephant’s ear as a houseplant has recently become quite popular; however, these large and beautiful plants can present an unexpected danger. Elephant’s ear is a tropical plant, and they suffer indoors when the air is too dry or cool. As a result, people have taken to misting or soaking the leaves—a practice that intensifies the plant’s already toxic properties.
If ingested, either by humans or pets, it can cause serious illness; in addition, when handled for extended periods of time, some people experience skin irritation from contact with its wax-like coating. Therefore it is not recommended to bring elephant’s ear into your home unless instructions are carefully followed on how to care for the plant and mitigate potential hazards.
Philodendron
Bringing a Philodendron plant into your home can be more dangerous than you might realize. While they are beautiful, full of lush leaves, and make a great addition to any living room or office, these tropical plants can also be toxic to pets and humans alike if ingested. The sap of the philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause burning and irritation in the mouth and throat, swelling of the nasal passages, and excessive drooling if ingested.
In severe cases, respiratory paralysis may occur. Children who tend to put things in their mouths should have adult supervision when around this type of plant, as it is easy for a part of it to be eaten unnoticed. If you do decide to bring one into your home, keep it away from children and any animals that could swallow parts of the plant, particularly cats; signs of ingestion can include difficulty breathing and even death.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies can be quite the devil in disguise for unsuspecting homeowners. This beautiful, innocent-appearing houseplant is even popularly kept in offices and other public spaces, leading many to believe it is completely harmless. Unfortunately, this isn’t true – when brought inside a home, peace lilies can create some potentially dangerous scenarios.
The plant produces pollen which can trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and can also cause nausea, headaches, or respiratory problems if inhaled incorrectly. Additionally, they are highly toxic to both cats and dogs if eaten, with potential consequences such as vomiting and a slowed heart rate.
Jade Plant
While jade plants, also known as Crassula ovata, are beloved for their glossy green leaves, few people understand the dangers they may pose in the home. For those unaware, this plant is toxic and can cause skin irritation if handled without protection, such as gloves. In addition, its sap is known to cause mild stomach upset in humans; pets such as cats and dogs are particularly sensitive to it.
Ingesting or touching the plant can lead to a range of symptoms, from diarrhea and vomiting to contact dermatitis for those with existing allergies. If you are seeking to add some greenery to your home, it is best to choose species of houseplants without these risks!
Spider Plant
Spider plants are another popular houseplant, but it is important to be aware of their potential risks before bringing one into your home. These plants can be dangerous if the wrong precautions aren’t taken, as they have an unusually high concentration of oxalic acid. In humans, prolonged exposure to oxalic acid has been linked to respiratory and neurological issues as well as irritation of the skin and eyes.
Furthermore, these plants produce tiny beeswax-like particles called sporocysts that may worsen allergies and asthma symptoms if inhaled. Therefore, when caring for a spider plant, it is crucial to keep it out of reach from young children and pets, stay away from consuming any parts of the plant, wear safety glasses when trimming back the foliage, and avoid dusting or handling the leaves too often.
Poinsettia
Poinsettia, often seen as a traditional Christmas decoration and sign of good cheer during the holiday season, is more harmful than it appears. While their bright red blooms may be tempting to bring indoors, they contain an irritating sap that can cause a skin reaction in humans.
On top of that, if either cats or dogs ingest Poinsettia leaves or flowers, they can become very ill and suffer from nausea, vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea. For these reasons, it is vital to understand the risks and keep these plants out of households with children or pets.
Avoid Bringing These Plants Into Your Home!
Houseplants can be a great way to liven up your home and add some natural elements, but it is important to know their potential risks before buying. Some species may offer more home than good, but there are plenty of safe options out there. With careful research and caution, you can find the best houseplants to suit your home safely. And if you need a bit of extra help, consider speaking with an expert at your local gardening center who can provide you with the best advice for choosing the right plants!
